The announcement ofDiablo Immortalwas met with significant controversy when the mobile version of the iconic Blizzard RPG was first announced during BlizzCon 2018. The franchise had not seen a new main series game release since the launch ofDiablo 3five years prior and many fans were disappointed to see a mobile version announced instead ofaDiablo 4reveal. Now, withDiablo Immortal’s worldwide launch just a few days away, a recent report shows that the controversial mobile game will not be launching in all regions.
Set to launch on June 2nd, Blizzard has been frequently sharing more information onDiablo Immortalin the weeks leading up to its release. Blizzard revealed during aDiablo Immortal-focused event last month thatImmortalwould also be releasing on PC with an open beta for the PC version starting on the same day as the mobile launch. Despite initial backlash, playtesters have reportedly been positive about theDiablomobile game leading up to its release. Now, it appearsDiablo Immortal’s global release will be skipping Belgium and the Netherlands.
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A recent interview fromDiablo Immortalexecutive producer Peiwen Yao confirms the highly-anticipated mobile game will not be releasing in Belgium or the Netherlands on launch due to laws in the countries regarding loot boxes. Both Belgium and the Netherlands uphold strict laws regarding loot boxes in video games with the countries' legal systems considering the random chance items as a form of gambling. The growing animosity of government bodies towards loot boxes has plagued other franchises as well withFIFA’s Ultimate Team modebeing a particular target.
Beyond regulations from the Belgian and Dutch governments, loot boxes have seen significant criticism within the gaming community as the chance-based premium options have become more common. Popular creators andstreamers like Asmongold have been heavily criticalof the inclusion of loot boxes in games. Major studies have also drawn links between loot boxes and problematic gambling in minors, drawing criticism from many government organizations around the world and regularly seeing games and companies come under fire.
WhileDiablo Immortalhas come under fire once again, the mobile game’s release will come as fans are still wondering when they will see the release ofDiablo 4.Blizzard has been slowly doling out more information about the upcoming sequel detailingchanges to the game’s dungeon systemand showing off the reworked Paragon system, however an official release date has yet to be set forDiablo 4. Though fans may still be waiting for a while onDiablo 4,Diablo Immortalwill look to scratch that dungeon-crawling itch for long-time fans of the franchise.
Diablo Immortalwill release on June 2nd for PC and mobile devices.
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